Ninja Beach at Original Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, CA

In the recent years, there has been some major development around obstacle course racing like Spartan, rock climbing, and ninja warrior training. Television shows are airing events internationally, for these competitive sports. Although competitors are often running the course alone, there is a vast team effort and an overwhelming sense of community that comes along with it. American Ninja Warrior for one, has lead the pack in bringing obstacle courses to the main stage.

My name is Westley Silvestri. I am a real estate agent with a passion for ninja warrior, and obstacle course racing. For the past year, I have assembled “Ninja Beach” every Sunday at the Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, CA. I load up the truck with 25 different self made obstacles, for anyone to try. I advertise that all are welcome to come try out these obstacles in order to bring the community together with a different type of experience. Throughout the year, the crowd, and athletes have grown week by week, offering joyful challenges to the masses.

I have made a valiant effort to include everyone, and also to respect the environment, beach equipment, and surrounding avid exercisers. Some obstacles that I bring do require the use of the quad bars, but I am extremely careful when setting up that nothing will tarnish or ruin the existing beach equipment. I make sure that we are following safety measures, and that waivers are in place to protect the city as well as myself. However, several weeks ago we were shut down by a beach patron who called the police saying that what I was doing was harmful to the structure. I would like the opportunity to be permitted to continue, however I understand if this may need some changes in order to please the city. Which is why I am proposing this new plan.

Santa Monica is a progressive and caring city. They’ve taken the time to listen to the people and the Original Muscle Beach has expanded into what it is today. My proposal is to ask that there be an extension to the ninja warrior and obstacle course racing community and make some of these obstacles into more permanent structures to help promote these wonderful sports that offer team values, and positive, innovative thinking while exercising. Since I am experienced in setting up these courses at the beach as well as several gyms in surrounding cities, I would like the opportunity to offer input and plans to bring this sport to life at the beach. This way, I know that people can also have the opportunity to visit this beautiful destination location on the rare chance that I am not there on a Sunday, as well as any other day of the week.

Santa Monica has taken the time to listen to many other proposals to add areas for yoga, slack-lining, ring work, etc. All of which are activities that exercise both body and mind. The beach also offers a beautiful backdrop for athletes that need a space to workout outside of a standard gym. A public place to meet new people and vibe with like minded individuals. It is time to offer some different obstacles to unite the ninja/OCR/rock climbing athlete into this space.

City of Santa Monica, please see the signatures below of the neighborhood athletes that would greatly appreciate this addition to the Original Muscle Beach.